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Saturday, August 30, 2014

What To Look For In Inclinometers For Sale

By Mattie MacDonald


Measurement of depression and elevation of an item with regard to gravity is done using a device called an inclinometer. The device also measures angles of slope, also known as tilt. The instrument is known by many other names like slope indicator and tilt meter. The instrument gives measurements for both negative and positive tilts. Measurements are given in three commonly known units, that is, percent, degrees, and topo.

Currently, the number of types of tilt indicators available on the market is very high. As such, one should be equipped with knowledge about them before setting out to make a purchase. There are features and capabilities that one needs to check in Inclinometers for sale before buying to avoid losses. Casings and sealing, sensor technology, resolution, accuracy, interference, parts, measuring range, and functionality are among the factors to consider.

Resolution and accuracy normally refer to the same thing in this instruments. When buying, one must ensure that the resolution is highest, although that should depend on the function the device is meant to serve. Devices with the highest levels of accuracy can measure at resolutions as high as 0.0001 of a degree. Accuracy is dependent on various factors including hysteresis, sensor linearity, zero offset, temperature drifts, and sensitivity among other factors.

Slopes are measured by generating an artificial horizon. After the artificial horizon is generated, measurements of angular tilt are then measured with respect to the horizon. Accuracy and range of measurements is highly influenced by sensor technology. Sensor technology should therefore be considered when choosing a device by checking the number of axes and tilt angle range of a device. Modern devices use a variety of technologies including accelerometer, pendulum, electrolytic, liquid capacitative, and gas bubble in liquid.

It is important for one to consider the casing of a device before buying. Casings are important during installation and are made in form of special purpose pipes. They do three main functions in inclinometers. First, they help devices to align well with the ground around them. They also control how the probe of the device gets oriented. Probe orientation is normally done by internal grooves. Lastly, probe access is maintained by casings. This is helpful in obtaining subsurface measurement readings.

When making a purchase one must consider the diameter of the casing, the shape of the groove, and coupling style. When choosing a diameter for the casing, one should consider larger diameters because they offer longer useful life. This is because larger diameters are able to accommodate more deformation before access closes to the probe. Common casing diameters are 45 mm, 70 mm, and 85 mm. 85 mm diameter devices can be used for all applications.

Accuracy of readings in tilt meters is directly dependent on quality of groove in casings. Grooves that offer a regular and flat surface for wheels are the best to buy. Grooves should have greater width than the wheels. This is to allow sideway movements. Narrow grooves degrade readings.

QC, CPI, EPIC, shear wire, and standard are some of the casings to pick from. QC casings are more popular than the others. It is preferred by most people due to its high precision in measurements.




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